Why preventive care is important

Remember the old saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? This can be especially true when it comes to preventive health care. Maintaining or improving your health is important - and a focus on regular preventive care, along with following the advice of your doctor, can help you stay healthy.

Precancerous changes of the vulva (vulvar dysplasia) may appear as white, red, or brown patches on the vulva, and are often accompanied by itching. The vulva can also develop skin cancers such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Non-sexually transmitted diseases may also produce lesions on the genitalia. In young girls (before puberty), nonspecific vulvovaginitis, atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis are common causes of genital lesions. Other common disorders of the skin, such as lichen planus, seborrheic dermatitis, and vitiligo are less common causes. Rarely, a medical illness can cause genital lesions as one of its symptoms, as in Crohn’s disease.

Because genital lesions or sores often adversely affect a person’s self-image, many individuals do not seek proper medical care. These lesions may be caused by a malignancy or a sexually transmitted disease, and in every case should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Time pattern
o When did you first notice the lesion?
o How long have you had it?
o Have you ever had a similar lesion in the past?

Distribution
o Has the lesion increased in size?
o Is there an increasing number of lesions?
o Is there one lesion or multiple lesions
o Exactly where on the genitals is the lesion located?

Other
o What is the amount and type of sexual activity?
o What are the hygiene habits?
o Is there painful urination?
o Is there painful sexual intercourse?
o Is there abnormal vaginal drainage?

The physical examination will probably include a pelvic examination.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS that may be performed include:

Blood tests such as CBC or blood differential

Culture and biopsy (skin or mucosal biopsy culture) of the lesions

Treatment

Treatment may include medications that are applied to the skin or that are taken internally. The type of medication varies depending on the cause, but may include corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, or drugs to control itching.

AFTER SEEING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

If you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, you are urged to undergo further testing for all other STDs and to notify your sexual partner to undergo testing and treatment.

Last revised: December 3, 2012by Martin A. Harms, M.D.

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.

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